Flag Day may not be the most widely celebrated holiday anymore. But no day perhaps better represents what America is all about, according to Framingham Elks leader Scott Gillis.

"The reason we have the freedoms we have is because that flag is hanging on that pole," he said.

For the second year in a row, the Elks hosted their official Flag Day celebration at their lodge on Union Street Saturday. While the local organization had always recognized the holiday, which is actually on June 14, the Elks decided to start putting together a larger event after the town stopped holding Flag Day activities, Gillis said.

Intended to commemorate the adoption of the U.S. flag in 1777, Flag Day is not an official federal holiday, but has been honored as a day of observance for close to a century.

Held from noon to 6 p.m. Saturday, the Elks' celebration featured live music and a barbecue. It was attended by what organizers estimated was around 400 to 500 people.

Framingham resident Brendan Dilbarian was at the event as well collecting used flags for his Eagle Scout project.

"A lot of people don't have a proper way to dispose of their flags," he said, adding he had collected around 25 two hours into the Flag Day party and a total of 125 so far this spring. "It's a symbol of our country - I don't think they should be sitting around in the closet."

Gillis said it's disappointing sometimes that the flag - like its holiday - doesn't get as much respect as it deserves.

"I think a lot of people have gotten away from tradition, from supporting what is important to this country," he said. "We call a person making $10 million to play a sport a hero, when there are everyday heroes all around us."

The Elks, he said, who are "all about the American flag," intend to continue to hold the Flag Day celebration every year.

Ron Vallely, president of Framingham Youth Football and Cheerleading who was manning the grill Saturday afternoon, said he hopes other towns will also carry on the tradition.

"I think it's a bit of a wakeup call to other communities," he said. "This is a tradition they should step up and do as well."

Scott O'Connell can be reached at 508-626-4449 or soconnell@wickedlocal.com.